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Triple Chocolate Brownie Cake

This triple chocolate brownie cake is dense and chewy like a brownie, but it’s baked in a round pan and sliced like a cake! It’s the perfect cake recipe for brownie lovers.

Slice of brownie cake on plate with whipped cream and sprinkles

Rich Fudge Brownie Cake Recipe

While the name of this recipe has the word “cake” in it, don’t be fooled—this dessert is essentially a brownie. And I consider that a good thing. It’s rich and dense, perfectly chewy, and it has that delightful thin, crinkly-crisp layer on top that all the best brownies seem to have. Somehow putting it all in cake form makes this brownie recipe extra special.

There is plenty of chocolate that gets melted and stirred into the batter, but I also stirred in some semisweet chocolate chunks for good measure. And, then let’s just go all out and dust the top with cocoa powder. That’s right, my friends. Three kinds of chocolate. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, mix in some milk chocolate chips, too.

As-is, this is the kind of recipe you whip up on a whim and serve after a weeknight dinner. But add a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries or chocolate sprinkles and you’ve got a dessert worthy of a special occasion. 

Overhead view of triple chocolate brownie cake ingredients

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

Overhead view of chocolate in glass bowl

What Kind of Chocolate Is Best for Baking?

This brownie cake will only be as good as the chocolate you put into it. Some of my favorites for this recipe are Guittard 72% bittersweet chocolate in the batter, Callebaut 44% semisweet chocolate chunks, and Scharffen Berger cocoa powder. You can’t go wrong with any of these three brands.

How to Make Triple Chocolate Brownie Cake

The method for this brownie cake isn’t any different from the method you’d use to make traditional brownies; the only difference is the shape of the pan.

Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper and any exposed parts of the pan. 

Overhead view of melted chocolate in glass bowl

Melt the chocolate. Place the bittersweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at half power in 30-second increments until the chocolate melts when stirred. Cool slightly.

Mix the wet ingredients. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until they’re light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, followed by the melted chocolate.

Finish the batter. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Mix in about 1/3 of the flour and all of the salt. Add the remaining flour in two portions, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.

Bake. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Overhead view of brownie cake cooling on rack

Cool. Set the pan on a wire cooling rack and allow the cake to cool completely. (Learn more: Why Every Baker Needs Wire Cooling Racks)

Overhead view of brownie cake and bowl of cocoa powder

Serve. Carefully remove the brownie cake from the pan and dust the top with cocoa powder before serving.

Whole brownie cake on cake stand

Tips for Success

Read over my baking tips for beginners and tips for baking brownies, then follow the additional pointers below for a perfect brownie cake:

  • No parchment paper? No problem. Line the pan with aluminum foil, allowing the edge to overhang the rim of the pan, then lightly grease the foil.
  • Let the melted chocolate cool. If it’s piping hot, you may end up cooking the eggs in the batter.
  • Be patient. Typically, you let a cake cool for about 10 minutes and then remove it from the pan. With its fudgy texture, this brownie cake should cool completely before you invert the pan, otherwise it may fall apart.
Overhead view of sliced brownie cake

Serving Suggestions

Although you could certainly pour chocolate ganache or spread raspberry jam over the top of this brownie cake, it would take away from that delicate, crisp layer on top. If you’d like to add a topping to dress it up, I suggested a drizzle of melted white chocolate or salted caramel with some toasted pecans or a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream with fresh berries on each slice.

Variations

You can fold walnuts or pecans into the batter if you like your brownies nutty. Milk chocolate chips are a delicious addition as well, adding even more chocolate decadence to this brownie cake.

Overhead view of brownie cake slice on plate

How to Store

Store brownie cake tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze this brownie cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Slice of brownie cake topped with whipped cream

More Reader Favorite Brownie Recipes

Triple Chocolate Brownie Cake

Yield 8 to 10 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Rich and fudgy, this Triple Chocolate Brownie Cake is the ideal dessert for chocolate lovers!

Overhead view of brownie cake slice on plate

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces (113g, or 2/3 cup) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (85g) semisweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
  • unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, and grease the paper and any exposed parts of the pan. (Alternatively, line with aluminum foil, allowing the edge to overhang the rim of the pan. Lightly grease the foil.)
  2. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave at half power in 30-second increments until the chocolate melts when stirred. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until well blended.
  4. Add the melted chocolate to the batter. Beat on medium speed until well blended and smooth.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add about 1/3 of the flour and all of the salt. Mix just until combined. Add the remaining flour in two portions, mixing just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly and smooth the top.
  7. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely.
  9. Remove the brownies from the pan. Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder before serving.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma.

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    14 Comments on “Triple Chocolate Brownie Cake”

  1. I am such a sucker for desserts like this.

  2. Looks delicious, dare I say, especially with a dollop of whipped cream? MMmmmm…

  3. This will be my hubby’s new favorite!! I love the chocolate suggestions too. Is it just me or can you even smell the difference in using good quality chocolate? I love the smell of Scharffen Berger!

  4. I am finding myself partial to brownies that include some brown sugar, so I know this recipe will be one I will bake.

  5. Don’t you love making in circle form?
    I just love it!
    And using the high quality chocolate makes all the difference!
    I get so many people asking me why should I use high quality chocolate all the time!!!

  6. Oh. My. Gawd. Basically, you’ve elevated the brownie.

    Thus, I will wear my BEST pyjamas whilst consuming it. By myself. In the basement.

  7. yesyesyes. You’re right. we absolutely need this chocolatey goodness NOOOW!

  8. I would definitely find myself eating sliver after sliver of this out of the pan! Love this triple chocolate hit.

    • Can I use a boxed brownie mix and just add extra chocolate 

      • Hi, Joanne! While using a boxed brownie mix and adding extra chocolate can be a quick option, it’s important to note that the result won’t be quite the same as this recipe. I’d encourage you to give the from-scratch brownie recipe a try. However, if you’re pressed for time, a boxed mix with added chocolate can still be a satisfying alternative. Happy baking!

  9. I am dying over this! I have a real weakness for brownies. All you need is the vanilla ice cream!

  10. I love the simple stuff. Flavor is my number one priority. Attractiveness is a bonus. I would serve this at a party, for sure. I’m going to try it with chocolate in my price range and see how it turns out.

  11. My birthday is coming up soon and I am looking for a birthday cake. This cake this very appetizing. I love chocolate so I think this would be the perfect choice. I also love the combination of a brownie and a cake.

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